Fantasy Basketball Sleeper: John Henson

By Brad Berreman

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

John Henson had a limited role for the Milwaukee Bucksas a rookie last year, averaging just 6.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in 63 games played (nine starts) and just over 13 minutes per game. But he did finish strongly, averaging 15 points and 15 rebounds per game over the final five games of the season, highlighted by the regular season finale against the Oklahoma City Thunder(28 points, 16 rebounds, one assist) and April 10 against the Orlando Magic (17 points, 25 rebounds, seven blocked shots, three assists).

Henson reportedly added some muscle weight during the offseason and played well in summer league (14.7 points and 13.7 rebounds per game in three games played), which prompted general manager John Hammond to state the need to find him more minutes this season. Henson is slated to be Ersan Ilyasova’s primary backup at power forward, but he could also see time behind center Larry Sanders as well after proving to be a capable fill-in when Sanders was injured late last season. In any case Henson is line for plenty of playing time this season as at least a primary player off the bench for the Bucks, and having a new coach (Larry Drew) can only be good news.

From a fantasy basketballperspective Henson has the potential to be a multi-category contributor, and possibly a significant difference maker for fantasy owners in blocked shots and rebounds. Milwaukee has two starting guards in Brandon Knight and O.J. Mayo that are likely to take plenty of shots, so Henson’s point production may be inconsistent if he has to get touches primarily as a product of offensive rebounding and outside of the flow of the Bucks’ offense. But in terms of a late-round draft pick that is likely to outperform his draft position, Henson is better than most.

Brad Berreman is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24.